SEATTLE — The city is currently hosting two exhibitions in gallery space at Seattle City Hall and Seattle Municipal Tower, both of which will host public receptions in early Sept. Seattle City Hall features an installation by artists who have immigrated either from the U.S. to Mexico, or from Mexico to the U.S through Sept. 6. A selection of artworks at Seattle Municipal Tower focuses on an atmospheric, weather-related theme and includes a number of Seattle and Northwest artists through Sept. 30. Both exhibitions are open and free to the public.

To Give in Return: Six Artists Who Embody the Indigenous Values of Reciprocity and Extended CommunitySeattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave.
Through Sept. 6 | Reception: Sept. 5, 4-6 pm

Seattle artists Juan Alonso, Fulgencio Lazo and Jesús Mena will exhibit their artwork alongside Ponciano Germán Vargas Martínez Kum-Baash, Oswaldo Ramírez and Shinzaburo Takeda of Oaxaca, Mexico in a selection that varies in style and medium, but is unified by the artists' commitment to making work that has a purpose and gives hope, as well as the artists' commitment to a life of service. The exhibitionincludes more than 30 original acrylic and oil artworks on canvas and wood, monotypes on paper, and mixed media. Accompanying the works are excerpts in which the artists discuss the themes of reciprocity and community. While three of the artists now call Seattle home and three currently reside in Oaxaca, Mexico, all six were shaped by the formative experience of immigrating to new communities. As one of the artists, Jesús Mena, states, “Our communities might change, but the idea of ‘giving in return' lives on.” The exhibition and color brochure were made possible through the support of the University of Washington American Ethnic Studies Department, Seattle Oaxaca Connection and the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

The artworks were purchased with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) 1% for Art funds. SPU's collection is exhibited throughout its offices, engaging its employees and visitors by helping to create an interesting and diverse work environment. Seattle's Portable Works Collection rotates more than 2,800 artworks in all media throughout the city's offices and public spaces.

Office of Arts & Culture | Making art work.
We envision a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences. We are supported by the 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council.